Sunday, 16 August 2009

Andy and I took advantage of the weather and made a brief afternoon visit to Duck End NR, Maulden, recording amongst other things Common Darter, Ruddy Darter and Emerald Damselfly. Then we popped over to Stratton Park Balancing Lake near Biggleswade where we were extremely surprised to find a Wasp Spider. All photographs by Melissa Banthorpe.

Sunday, 9 August 2009

Martin Palmer set up his moth trap in my parent's garden near Stewartby Lake yesterday evening. We got a total of 25 species of macro moths and 9 different micros. Here are a few photos of the moths...Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

A striking moth of oak woods at this time of year is the Black Arches, Lymantria monacha. This was one of 32 that came to an actinic trap in Potton Wood last night. When disturbed they have a defensive posture that seems to involve arching the body and showing a flash of red along the abdomen, presumably to warn off any inquisitive birds.

Monday, 3 August 2009

I came across this bizarre sight by one of the ponds at The Lodge last week. It took me a few seconds to realise that this darter had been pulled into a hole by something (a wasp?). As you can see by the second 'action' shot, he wasn't too happy about it!

Welcome

This blog is to be used as a pictorial representation of the changing seasons in the county of Bedfordshire. Landscapes, insects, mammals, flowers are all going to be shared here for everyone to enjoy.

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